Even if every quarterback struggled in spring practice, it is unlikely USC would go to a two-quarterback system next season.

“That would surprise me,” USC offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian said. “We’ve been a one-quarterback team since I’ve been here. And I was never a fan of that as a player of shuffling the quarterbacks.”

But what happens if one quarterback struggles? Will the hook be quicker than in recent seasons?

“My goal is the starter doesn’t struggle,” Sarkisian said.

As the first week concludes with today’s practice, junior Mark Sanchez remains ahead in USC’s quarterback competition because of his experience.

“Mark probably still is ahead,” sophomore Mitch Mustain said. “Aaron (Corp) and I were playing catch up from the beginning.”

LOOKING GOOD

Tailback Allen Bradford has been the best tailback the first week with several long runs and appears ready to challenge for playing time after two years buried on the sideline.

Bradford, who started at USC as a safety and was a highly regarded linebacker in high school, said he does not want to switch to defense.